Spring-based exercise cycle

ABSTRACT

The invention includes an exercise cycle having an upright frame and a spring assembly capable of permitting at least a portion of the upright frame to move or shift in a lateral side-to-side direction or a front-to-back direction. The exercise cycle includes a pair of front legs depending from a forward portion of the exercise cycle and a pair of rear legs depending from a rear portion of the exercise cycle. Each of the front legs and rear legs have a proximal section adjacent to the upright frame that is spaced a distance from a distal section by a spring.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.62/765,192 filed on Aug. 20, 2018 which is hereby incorporated byreference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to exercise equipment, and inparticular, a spring-based exercise cycle permitting side-to-side andfront-to-back movement.

BACKGROUND

Exercise equipment such as treadmills, elliptical trainers, stairclimbers, rowing machines, and stationary bikes have become increasinglypopular. In particular, stationary exercise bikes are used in manydifferent locations including in health clubs, gyms, or at home.Different types of exercise bikes have been designed for different uses.

Generally, the frame of the conventional stationary exercise bicycle isrigidly mounted at a fixed position. This makes it difficult to simulatethe actual riding of a bicycle and the health effects associatedtherewith. For example, one important component is for a rider is toengage his or her core and abdominals while bicycle riding. Oftentimes,core engagement is required when a bicycle rider “corners” a turn orleans with the bike laterally. Accordingly, some exercise equipment hasbeen developed which allows the user to sway laterally side-to-side inan attempt to better simulate the actual realistic experience of ridinga bicycle. This conventional equipment, however, uses hydraulics or amovable platform base which does not adequately simulate the actualeffects of “cornering” or leaning and do not provide the same healthbenefits or core engagement of actual riding.

Accordingly, an invention is needed which overcomes these drawbacks andprovides improved exercise equipment which permits leaning side-to-sideor front-to-back movement and promotes core engagement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to exercise equipment, such as anexercise cycle, that permits a rider to move or shift the equipmentlaterally side-to-side or front-to-back so as to more realisticallysimulate bicycle riding and promote core engagement. The exercise cyclecan include an upright frame which has a forward section and a rearsection. A longitudinal axis can extend from the rear section to theforward section along a path that is generally parallel to the ground.Additionally, the exercise cycle can also include other cycle componentssuch as handlebars, pedals, wheels or other components as are generallyknown in the art.

The upright frame includes depending legs which extend downwardly toform a base in contact with the ground. Generally, the upright frame canhave at least two pairs of depending legs which are operativelyconnected with a spring configuration for permitting the upright frameto move laterally side-to-side with respect to the longitudinal axis orfront-to-back in response to movement by a user.

The spring configuration can include a spring, coil, or other biaselement that is arranged and secured to each leg of the two pairs ofdepending legs. In particular, each of the depending legs can include aproximal portion adjacent to and secured or integrally attached to theupright frame. The proximal portion includes a fastener assembly whichis adapted for securing an upper portion of the spring, coil, or otherbias element. Each of the depending legs also includes a foot distalfrom the upright frame and spaced a distance from the frame by thespring, coil, or other bias element. In particular, the foot includes anassembly that is adapted for securing a lower portion of the spring,coil, or other bias element. Accordingly, the spring configuration,which in this example includes four separate springs, permits theupright frame to move laterally side-to-side or front-to-back inresponse to movement by a user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the exercise cycle in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the exercise cycle in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention;and

FIG. 5 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides for an apparatus and method of using astationary exercise cycle that has a spring-based system to permit acycle rider to move or shift the exercise cycle in a lateralside-to-side or front-to-back motion while pedaling or riding.

Referring to FIG. 1, an exercise cycle 100 includes an upright frame 102and a spring configuration 200 which permits movement of at least aportion of the upright frame 102 in response to a rider's movement orweight distribution.

The upright frame 102 of the exercise cycle 100 has a forward portion104 and a rear portion 106. In general, convention exercise cyclecomponents such as handlebars, a monitor screen, resistance knob, orother components may be attached to the forward portion 104 as is knownin the art. The rear portion 106 may include a cycle seat for the rideror other components as are generally known. As shown in FIG. 2, alongitudinal axis extends along from the rear portion 106 to the forwardportion 104 along a path generally parallel to the ground. Accordingly,the rider can cause the upright frame 102 of the exercise bike to moveor shift side-to-side in a direction away from the longitudinal axis 216as desired. This movement helps simulate “cornering” or leaning aroundor into a turn so as to simulate a more realistic cycle ridingexperience including having a rider better engage his or her core orabdomen muscles.

The spring configuration 200 is secured to legs depending from theupright frame 102. In one example, and referring to FIGS. 1-2, thespring configuration 200 is composed of a total of four springs 118where each one is fastened to a depending leg. As is known in the art,the spring configuration can include any spring, a coil, bias element,or any device or element providing a compression or torsional force thatcan be arranged and secured to the depending legs. Referring to FIGS.1-2, the exercise cycle 100 includes two pairs of depending legs. A pairof forward legs 108 depends from the forward portion 104 and extenddownwardly. Another pair of rear legs 110 depends downwardly from therear portion 106. Each of the forward legs 108 and rear legs 110terminate in a respective foot 112 forming the base of the exercisecycle 100 such that the foot 112 sits securely against the ground so asto provide a stable platform for the exercise cycle 100.

Each of the legs 108, 110 include a proximal leg portion 114 and adistal leg portion 116 that are spaced a distance from one another by aspring 118. The proximal leg portion 114 is adjacent to and secured orintegrally attached with the upright frame 102. It may be integrallyattached or secured through welding, fastening or other ways known inthe art.

The forward depending legs 108 and rear depending legs 110 may havevarious configurations as is known in the art. For example, as shown inFIGS. 1-2, forward depending legs 108 include a forward cross-member 218disposed between and integrally attached with the pair of forwarddepending legs 108. In this example, rear depending legs 110 include arear cross-member 220 disposed between and integrally attached with thepair or rear depending legs 110. Both the forward cross-member 218 andrear cross-member 220 can include different sizes and shapes includinghaving an oval, circular, rectangular, or other cross-section.

The spring 118 may be secured or fastened to legs 108, 110 using variousassemblies. For example, a fastener assembly 202 may be used to securean upper portion of the spring 118 to the proximal leg portion 114. Afoot fastener assembly 204 may be used to secure a lower portion of thespring 118 to the distal leg portion 116.

Referring to FIG. 4-5, the fastener assembly 202 may include a generallycylindrical post piece 120 and a clamp 126. The post piece 120 may havea circular section 122 an inner post 124 extending therefrom. In oneembodiment, the post piece 120 may be approximately 3 inches in heightbut it can also be sized and shaped as needed to set forth theparticular exercise cycle 100 specifications as desired. In one example,the post piece 120 is arranged to be secured with the proximal legportion 114. It can be integrally secured or welded thereon or securedin other ways that are generally known in the art.

The post piece 120 can be used to secure the spring 118 as shown in FIG.5. In this example, the spring 118 can be circumferentially wrappedaround the inner post 124. In addition, sections of rubber or othermaterial can be placed in areas between the inner post 124 and thespring 118 so as to dampen vibrations and unwanted sound while theexercise bike 100 is being used. Other configurations for securing thespring 118 to the post piece 120, however, can be used as are known inthe art.

Referring to FIGS. 4-5, a clamp 126 can also be used for securing thepost piece 120 and the spring 118. In this example, the clamp 126includes an opening 132 which is arranged to encircle the post piece 120and the spring 118 that is circumferentially wrapped around the innerpost 124. The clamp 126 also that includes a flange 130 having a screwhole 134 that is capable of receiving a screw for securing the spring118 and the post piece 120. The screw may be adjustable such that theclamp 126 can be tightened or loosened in securing the spring 118 asdesired. As is known in the art, the clamp 126 can be sized and shapedin different configuration depending on the specifications for theexercise cycle 100 as desired.

The clamp 126 also includes a support frame 128 for engaging theproximal leg portion 114 or cross-members 218, 220 and providingadditional stability to the exercise cycle 100.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, the distal leg portion 116 is disposedadjacent the foot 112 and spaced a distance from the proximal legportion 114 by the spring 118. The foot 112 includes a foot assembly 204for securing the lower section of the spring 118. The foot assembly 204can include a post piece 210 and a foot clamp 222. The post piece 210may have a circular section 224 an inner post 226 extending therefrom.In one example, the post piece 210 can be integrally secured or weldedto the distal leg portion 116 or secured in other ways that aregenerally known in the art.

The post piece 210 can be used to secure the spring 118 as shown in FIG.5. In this example, the spring 118 can be circumferentially wrappedaround the inner post 226. In addition, sections of rubber or othermaterial can be placed in areas between the inner post 226 and thespring 118 so as to dampen vibrations and unwanted sound while theexercise bike 100 is being used. Other configurations for securing thespring 118 to the post piece 210, however, can be used as are known inthe art.

Referring to FIGS. 4-5, the foot clamp 222 can also be used for securingthe post piece 210 and the spring 118. Similar to the clamp 126 above,the foot clamp 222 includes an opening which is arranged to encircle thepost piece 210 and the spring 118 that is circumferentially wrappedaround the inner post 226. The foot clamp 222 also includes a flange 230having a screw hole 232 that is capable of receiving a screw forsecuring the spring 118 and the post piece 210. The screw may beadjustable such that the foot clamp 222 can be tightened or loosened insecuring the spring 118 as desired. As is known in the art, the clamp222 can be sized and shaped in different configuration depending on thespecifications for the exercise cycle 100 as desired. The foot clamp 222also includes a support frame 234 for engaging the distal leg portion116 and providing additional stability to the exercise cycle 100.

As described herein, the spring configuration 200 includes a spring 118arrange on each of the four legs 108, 110 thereby permitting a rider tolean and shift or move the upright frame 102 in a generally lateralside-to-side direction or front-to-back direction. Referring to FIGS.1-2, a rider can simulate “cornering,” turning, or other lateralmovement by leaning in a desired direction. In this example, a rider canlean in a desired direction relative to the longitudinal axis 216. Asshown in FIG. 1, this causes a spring 236 on the forward leg 108 and aspring 238 on the rear leg 110 to compress while a spring 240 on theforward leg 108 and a spring 242 on the rear leg extend. When a riderleans in the opposite direction, the spring 240 on the forward leg 108and spring 242 on the rear leg 110 compress while the spring 236 on theforward leg 108 and spring 238 on the rear leg 110 extend.

A rider can shift his or her weight in the forward direction. In thisexample, the springs 236, 240 on each of the forward legs 108 arecompressed, at least in part, by the weight of the rider while thesprings 238, 242 on each of the rear legs 110 extend. This configurationcauses the forward portion 104 to tilt downward while the rear portion106 shifts upward so as to simulate a downhill ride. Similarly, when arider shifts his or her weight in the rear direction, the springs 236,240 on the forward legs 108 extend and the springs 238, 242 on the rearlegs 110 are compressed. This configuration causes the rear portion 106to tilt downward while the forward portion 104 shifts upward so as tosimulate an uphill climb.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference tovarious embodiments, it will be understood that these embodiments areillustrative and that the scope of the disclosure is not limited tothem. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements arepossible. More generally, embodiments in accordance with the presentdisclosure have been described in the context of particularimplementations. Functionality may be separated or combined in blocksdifferently in various embodiments of the disclosure or described withdifferent terminology. These and other variations, modifications,additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the disclosureas defined in the claims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. An exercise cycle, comprising: an upright framehaving a forward portion, a rear portion, and a base; a pair of frontlegs depending from the forward portion, each of the front legs having aproximal section adjacent to the upright frame and a distal sectionspaced a distance from the proximal section by a spring; and a pair ofrear legs depending from the rear portion, each of the rear legs havinga proximal section adjacent to the upright frame and a distal sectionspaced a distance by a spring; wherein the upright frame is adapted toshift in a lateral direction.
 2. The exercise cycle of claim 1 furthercomprising a longitudinal axis extending along a path from the rearportion to the forward portion, wherein the exercise cycle is adapted tomove in a direction away from the longitudinal axis.
 3. The exercisecycle of claim 1 wherein the proximal sections include a fastenerassembly for securing at least a portion of the spring.
 4. The exercisecycle of claim 3 wherein the fastener assembly further comprises a polepiece for securing the spring to the proximal section.
 5. The exercisecycle of claim 1 wherein the base includes a foot assembly for securingthe spring to the distal section.
 6. The exercise cycle of claim 1wherein at least one of the springs permits the upright frame to move ina front-to-back direction.
 7. An exercise cycle, comprising: an uprightframe having a forward portion, a rear portion, and a base; a pair offront legs depending from the forward portion, each of the front legshaving a proximal section adjacent to the upright frame and a distalsection adjacent to the base; a pair of rear legs depending from therear portion, each of the rear legs having a proximal section adjacentto the upright frame and a distal section adjacent to the base; and aspring assembly secured to the pair of front legs and the pair of rearlegs for permitting lateral movement of at least a portion of theupright frame; and a fastener assembly for securing the pair of frontlegs with at least a portion of the spring assembly.
 8. The exercisecycle of claim 7 wherein the spring assembly includes a coil securedbetween the proximal section and distal section of each of each of thepair of front legs and rear legs.
 9. The exercise cycle of claim 7further comprising a forward cross-member disposed between the pair offront legs.
 10. The exercise cycle of claim 7 wherein the fastenerassembly includes an inner post for securing at least a portion of thespring assembly.
 11. The exercise cycle of claim 10 wherein the fastenerassembly further comprises an adjustable clamp covering the inner post.12. The exercise cycle of claim 7 wherein at least one of the proximalsections comprises a generally hollow opening for receiving a polepiece.
 13. The exercise cycle of claim 12 wherein the pole piece iswelded at least partially within the generally hollow opening.
 14. Theexercise cycle of claim 7 wherein at least one of the distal sectionsincludes a foot.
 15. The exercise cycle of claim 7 wherein the springassembly includes a plurality of coils.
 16. An exercise machine,comprising: an upright frame having a forward portion and a rearportion; a longitudinal axis extending along a path from the rearportion to the forward portion; at least two pairs of legs dependingfrom the upright frame to form a base; and a spring assembly secured tothe at least two pairs of legs for permitting at least a portion of theupright frame to shift relative to the longitudinal axis.
 17. Theexercise machine of claim 16 wherein the at least two pairs of legsincludes a first pair of legs depending from the forward portion and asecond pair of legs depending from the rear portion.
 18. The exercisemachine of claim 17 wherein the spring assembly further comprises aforward pair of coils secured to the first pair of legs and a rear pairof coils secured to the second pair of legs.
 19. The exercise machine ofclaim 17 wherein the spring assembly permits the forward portion to tiltin a downward direction in response to a rider.
 20. The exercise machineof claim 17 wherein the spring assembly permits the forward portion toshift in an upward direction in response to a rider.